Connector for Joining Sections of Port Security Barrier Structures

ABSTRACT

A connector especially suited for connecting sections of floating port security barriers (PSBs) has a central portion joining two spaced apart, generally transverse end sections. The connector has a generally I-shaped cross section shape. Bolts or other fastening members are inserted through holes in the end sections to permit attachment to the PSB sections. The connector is preferably of a cast monolithic structure of a flexible, strong, non-corrosive material such as urethane. High-strength embedments may be formed into the end sections, to increase overall strength of the connector. Another embodiment has an internal tension member, which may be a loop of high-strength fiber, connecting the embedments.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This regular United States Patent Application claims priority to U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/891883, filed Oct. 16, 2013,for all purposes. The disclosure of that provisional patent applicationis incorporated herein by reference, to the extent that it is notinconsistent with any portion of this regular patent application.

BACKGROUND

Land based assets adjacent to waterbodies, such as dock facilities,harbor facilities, ports, etc., referred to generally as “ports” herein,require protection from water-conveyed threats. In response, a number oftypes of Port Security Barriers (“PSBs”) have been developed. Whiledesigns vary, many PSBs comprise metal and/or composite structures whichfloat offshore of the port facilities, by virtue of flotation modulesfixed to the PSB structures.

Many PSBs comprise a plurality of sections, each floating in the water,and joined together to create a linked-together floating structure of adesired length. Traditional means of connecting the floating PSBsections included metal chain and cable, referred to generally as“chain.” However, chain connectors exhibit various limitations. Sincethe connectors are in a marine environment, typically a saltwaterenvironment, corrosion of the metal chain is always an issue. The chainis relatively heavy, which makes installation, servicing and replacementmore difficult. In addition, chain link connectors inherently possessconcentrated wear points, with metal to metal contact.

There is accordingly a need for improved connectors to attach floatingPSB sections, one to the other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a non-metallic, flexible material PSBconnector for joining floating sections of PSBs. Although variousmaterials could prove suitable for fabrication of the connector,urethane is a presently preferred material. Preferably, the connector isfabricated as a monolithic cast urethane member, suitably shaped toprovide for connecting via bolts or other suitable means to the floatingPSB sections. For example, the connection may generally have an I-shapedcross section shape, with a central portion joining two spaced apart,transverse end sections. One embodiment is solid urethane with noembedments. A second embodiment is a composite structure withreinforcing embedments (which may be metal or high-strength non-metallicmaterials) in the end flanges or sections for additional strength.

The relatively light weight, non-corrosive connectors exhibit a numberof other benefits over conventional chain link or similar connector, aswill be further described below. The connector is easy to retrofit onexisting structures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bird's-eye (top) view of several sections of a floating PSB,joined by the connector of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the connector formedfrom urethane, without any embedment reinforcements.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the connector formedfrom urethane, having end embedments encapsulated therein.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of embedment.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the connector,comprising an inner fiber loop or grommet connecting the embedments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While various changes may be made to form different embodiment of thepresent invention, by way of illustration and not limitation some of thepresently preferred embodiments can be described in connection with thedrawings. It is to be noted that any dimensions, materials, tolerances,etc. noted on the drawings are by way of illustration only, and do notconstitute any limitation on the scope of the invention.

The present invention comprises a solid, preferably monolithic orunitary cast connector, suitable for connecting floating sections ofPSBs. While various materials may be suitable for fabrication of theconnector, urethane is a presently preferred material, and the followingdescription will focus on that material. Two embodiments of theinvention will be described: a first embodiment, comprising a solidurethane structure with no additional embedments; and a secondembodiment, very similar to the first in overall configuration butadding strengthening embedments to form a stronger, composite structure.

FIG. 1 is a bird's eye or top view of floating sections 100 of a PSBprotecting a port, harbor or the like. Connectors 10 join PSB sections100, and permit some degree of motion between the sections.

A First Embodiment

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of connector 10,without any embedments in the connector. Generally, connector 10 has acentral portion 20 joining two spaced-apart, transverse, expanded endsections 30 and 40. End sections 30 and 40 typically have a plurality ofholes 32 therethrough, which provide a means for insertion of boltstherethrough, to permit attachment of connector 10 to PSB section 100,by bolting the connector ends to the PSB sections. It is understood thatthe expanded end sections 30 and 40 provide sufficient area for multiplebolt patterns. Generally, connector 10 has a cross section shaperesembling that of an I-beam (that is, generally I-shaped in crosssection).

The dimensions, shape (cross-sectional and otherwise), and materialproperties of connector 10 may be varied and tuned to provide specificneeded mechanical characteristics (e.g., breaking strength, bendingresistance on each axis, elongation, energy absorption, creep, etc.).

By way of example, this first embodiment, all urethane, may yield anaverage breaking strength of 75 kips.

A Second Embodiment

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of connector 10. As can be seenin FIG. 3, connector 10 is shaped very much like the first embodiment,with central portion 20 and expanded end sections 30 and 40. Inaddition, this embodiment comprises embedments 50 and 60, typicallywithin the end sections 30 and 40. FIG. 4 shows one possible shape ofembedments 50 and 60. Generally, while various shapes may be suitable,embedments 50 and 60 are plate-shaped so as to create a relatively largearea of high strength material, which better absorb the loads (tensionand otherwise) transferred from the PSB sections to the connectors, viathe bolts or other structural means attaching the connectors to the PSBsections. As can be seen in the figures, multiple holes can be providedin embedments 50 and 60, generally conforming to holes 32 in endsections 30. Embedments may have transverse sections on either side of acentral plate section, to enhance securing the embedments within theconnector.

Embedments 50 and 60 may be made of metal or high strength non-metalmaterial (e.g. composites, plastics, fiberglass, etc.). If theembedments are metal, typically a bonding agent would be used to augmentthe bond between the urethane body and the embedment; use of a bondingagent may be desirable for non-metal embedments as well. Preferably,particularly for metal embedments, the embedment is completelyencapsulated within the urethane, to protect it from the marineenvironment.

It is to be understood that the embedments may also take the form ofrods or other extended members, in combination with plate-shapedembedments if desired. The scope of the present invention coversembedments of any shape, number or configuration.

By way of example, this second embodiment, with embedments within theurethane body, may yield an average breaking strength of 150 kips.

A Third Embodiment

Certain applications of the invention may dictate a higher strengthconnector, yet one which still provides the corrosion resistance of theabove-described embodiments.

FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment ofconnector 10. Central portion 20 and end sections 30 and 40 aresubstantially like those in the earlier described embodiments.Embedments 50 and 60 in this embodiment further comprise spaced-apartbrackets 31 and 41, comprising holes through which pins 32 and 42 can beplaced. A grommet or tension member 33, comprising a loop of strong,flexible, preferably non-metallic material is disposed within brackets51 and 61, and held in place by pins 52 and 62, thereby connectingembedments 50 and 60. Support plates 34 and 41 can be inserted ifneeded.

Another embodiment may have only a single bracket on each embedment,with a hole through which tension member 33 runs. Various other means ofconnecting tension member 33 to embedments 50 and 60 may be readilyenvisioned by those of skill in the relevant art field.

As can be readily appreciated, when connector 10 is fastened to PSBsections by bolts, etc., linear loads are transferred to embedments 50and 60, thence by brackets 51 and 61 and pins 52 and 62 to tensionmember 33.

Tension member 33 may be formed in various manners, from high-strengthfibers such as Aramid and the like, by means known in the relevant art.It is understood that many other fibers can serve for tension member 33.

In one preferred embodiment, the various components of the connectorshown in FIG. 5 are all embedded in or encased in the urethaneconnector, including the embedments, brackets, pins, tension member, andsupport plates. In another embodiment, some of these elements, forexample the embedments, may be wholly or partially on the exterior ofthe urethane connector body.

Materials for the Connector

As noted above, various types of non-metallic materials may be used forthe body of the connector, with urethane (sometimes referred to aspolyurethane) being a presently preferred embodiment. However, it isunderstood that connectors embodying the principles of the presentinvention may be made of other materials, including those includingadvanced formula polymers, fiber reinforced materials, rubbers,plastics, other elastomers, etc. Additives may be included to increaselight or UV ray resistance, or to decrease unwanted biodegradation. Allof such materials are referred to at times herein as “urethane.”

Attributes of the Connector

The monolithic cast construction, whether in urethane or other suitablematerial, exhibits a number of desirable attributes. Typically, theurethane connector of the present invention is 30 to 50% lighter thanprior art connectors, making installation and service easier. Theurethane or other non-metallic construction eliminates corrosion.Impulse tensile loads between the PSB sections are better absorbed bythe urethane material. A higher bending modulus of the urethaneconnector, compared to prior art connectors, improves performancecharacteristics of the PBS.

CONCLUSION

While the preceding description contains many specificities, it is to beunderstood that same are presented only to describe some of thepresently preferred embodiments of the invention, and not by way oflimitation. Changes can be made to various aspects of the invention,without departing from the scope thereof. For example, various materialscan be used for the connector, including but not limited to urethane andother suitable materials; dimensions, shapes and strengths can be variedto suit particular applications; embedments may be made of differentmaterials and in different shapes, to yield the force-transfercharacteristics desired.

Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be determined not by theillustrative examples set forth above, but by the appended claims andtheir legal equivalents.

We claim:
 1. A connector for joining sections of floating members,comprising: a central portion joining two spaced apart, transverse endsections, said central portion and said end sections forming a generallyI-shaped connector, said central portion and said end sections being ofunitary fabrication; said end sections comprising a means for attachingsaid connector to said floating members; and wherein said connector isformed of a flexible, non-metallic material.
 2. The connector of claim1, wherein said connector is formed from urethane.
 3. The connector ofclaim 2, wherein said connector is formed as a cast monolithic member.4. The connector of claim 3, wherein said means for attaching saidconnector to said floating members comprises a plurality of holesthrough said end sections, through which bolts are inserted and engagedwith said floating members.
 5. The connector of claim 1, furthercomprising embedments disposed within said end sections, said embedmentscomprising generally plate-shaped members, said embedments formed fromrigid, high strength materials.
 6. The connector of claim 4, furthercomprising embedments disposed within said end sections, said embedmentscomprising generally plate-shaped members, said embedments formed fromrigid, high strength materials, and wherein said embedments compriseholes aligned with said holes in said end sections.
 7. The connector ofclaim 6, wherein said embedment is formed from metal.
 8. The connectorof claim 6, wherein said embedment is formed from a composite.
 9. Theconnector of claim 1, wherein said floating members comprise portsecurity barrier sections.
 10. A connector for joining sections offloating port security barrier members, comprising: a central portionjoining two spaced apart, transverse end sections, said central portionand said end sections forming a generally I-shaped connector, saidcentral portion and said end sections being formed from flexibleurethane as a cast monolithic member; said end sections comprising ameans for attaching said connector to said floating port securitybarrier members.
 11. The connector of claim 10, wherein said means forattaching said connector to said floating port security barrier memberscomprises a plurality of holes through said end sections, through whichbolts are inserted and engaged with said floating members.
 12. Theconnector of claim 11, further comprising generally plate-shapedembedments within said end sections, said embedments comprising aplurality of holes aligned with said end section holes.
 13. Theconnector of claim 12, wherein said embedments are formed from metal.14. The connector of claim 12, wherein said embedments further comprisebrackets, and said connector further comprises a tension memberconnecting said brackets.
 15. The connector of claim 14, wherein saidbrackets comprise a pair of spaced apart brackets on each embedmenthaving aligned holes therein, and said tension member is connected tosaid brackets by pins inserted through said tension member and saidholes in said brackets.
 16. The connector of claim 15, wherein saidembedments, said brackets, and said tension member are encased in saidurethane.